My new brass processing workflow

Several factors influenced my decision to revisit and change the ways I process brass.  These factors range from health related (high lead score in blood, asthma, etc.), to suggestions from those who's opinion I value and respect, to convenience of processing, to some of the technical aspect.  Few years ago I implemented ultrasonic cleaning using very good Infante 5GA unit.  It replaced process of cleaning brass using Lyman dry media tumbler at the time. It was great for processing large quantities of cases, - I can process up to 2000 of 45 ACP cases at once.  However very quickly I found that cleaning small batches of brass became way more involved then I cared for.  Collecting cases and waiting until it make sense to run ultrasonic unit and inconvenience of processing small batches made me go back to using dry cleaning.  Also, I could not discipline myself to de-prime large quantities of brass once I was ready for ultrasonic.  Thus, recently I went to drawing board and started researching options ........ again.  My objective was to create work flow that would address all the short comings I outlined above. 

Cleaning part was an easy decision, - wet cleaning with or without pins as a process.  So, I just needed to figure out equipment.  After considering options like Lyman, CED Tornado and others per advise of someone who's opinions I greatly respect and value, I selected Lortone QT12/QT66 Rock Tumblers.  Unfortunately the company that manufactures these is undergoing some kind of transformation and sourcing equipment from the primary source wasn't possible.  However I got lucky - in short I now have two bases with one 12LB and two 6LB barrels.  These units are built to last.  Design / construction is very simple, - small electrical motor, two pulleys driven by V-Belt, rubber barrel with lid and frame with two shafts.  Units can run for days non stop.  Capacity of barrels - about 400 45ACP cases in 12LB drum, plus 5 lbs of pins and cleaning solution.  Since pins don't take much space there isn't significant increase in number of cases per drum when cleaning without pins.  Cleaning solutions were discussed here in several threads.

Next in line was pre-processing of cases.  My obvious objective was, - "I do not want to pull lever for solo purpose of depriming!"  And I didn't want to size cases as I use different sizing dies depending on what I load (i.e. I use 45 Colt sizing dies when I load lead / coated SWC, and 45 ACP dies when I load JHP bullets).  Same is applicable to loading 38WC / 38SPL / 32WC and other calibers.  Hence I was looking for motorized gizmo to meet my objective.  After researching option (Mark 7 PRO auto drive, Dillon's own, AmmoBot, etc.)  I came across of very elegant little machine designed by Australian competitive shooter Kevin Whitehead, - Rollsizer Decapper.  Here in USA it is being sold by Double Alpha Academy.  So, I got it.  Very small foot print, placed next to one of my Dillon's presses, rotated case feeder and connected it to Decapper, and .......... started breaking decapping pins.  That forced me to look into causes.  To make long story short...er, - Dillon's latest variable speed case feeders desire better design in several aspect, especially better deflector.  I made several modification and proudly sent photos to DAA's general manager.  This is when he suggested to try their Turbo Plate / Deflector (a wedge in their lingo) combo.  One of my good friend use it, so, I immediately got it.  What a difference!!!!  No more down side up cases, no more flooding, feeding speed greatly increased too (btw., DAA has a hack description on website as to how to increase speed of the variable case feeders).  And no more broken pins since I installed DAA's plate / wedge (I know, pins will break as there are other factors, i.e. off center flash holes - I can post picture of example of such case).  DAA plate covers pistol calibers from 9mm to 45ACP.  Sadly, DAA's plate doesn't work with 32 S&W. Long cases.  However combination of DAA wedge and Dillon's Small plate worked exceptionally well.  

There are couple of other modifications I am looking into implementing related to case feeding into decapper.  However I already am happy with solutions I found and implemented.  In last couple weeks I processed about 20000 cases that were waiting, mostly 45ACP, but also 32 Long, 9mm, 10mm, 38SPL/WC, 357M and even some of the 44M.  I obtained some of the replacement parts (belts) for Lortone tumblers, have several pins for decapper, and plenty of pins.  Will be ordering another plate and wedge combo on the next occasion.

Here are the links to products I mentioned:

https://www.infanteultrasonics.com/ultrasonic-gun-cleaner/s9
https://lortone.com/collections/tumblers/products/model-qt12?info
https://lortone.com/collections/tumblers/products/model-qt66?info
https://www.rollsizer.com/shop/wizard/Decapper/RLS-DCP%20Aus
https://www.doublealpha.biz/us/daa-turbo-case-feeder-plate
https://www.doublealpha.biz/us/daa-dislodge-wedge
https://www.doublealpha.biz/us/combo-rollsizer-automatic-decapper-drop-tube-decappinp-pins

I have no financial interest from any of the companies who's products mentioned in my post.  Double Alpha Academy frequently offers 5-10% discounts, and I time my purchases accordingly.

I'll be happy to post pictures on request and answer questions.

AP

Alex-
We definitely need to see pictures of this venture!!!

Jim

I bought my Lortone QT12 decades ago from Gil Hebard Guns. He always carried quality shooting related products. Mine is still going strong, but I don't run it constantly. I've notice that COVID seemed to kill Lortone support, although I think the only thing that I've replaced is a drive belt and once, bearings for the rollers.

Alex, you further confirm your nickname of High Master Reloader - Wow!

The DAA product description "Rollsizer Decapper" is not perfectly clear on the website - can it only be used for decapping - or can it be a combo decap/sizer?

Ah, sorry, got my question answered by visiting the Rollsizer.com website. The Rollsizer Decapper is just for decapping - clear. Impressive machine. But I'm not ready to retire my "rural gym" arm workout machine - A LEE APP with dedicated Dillon casefeeder

Good tip re' feeding 32SWL brass - I had not thought of using a Dillon plate with the DAA deflector - I must try that.

32ACP is even more problematic - waterfall issue - but I've asked EB to try to develop a custom funnel for the Dillon casefeeder - winter project.

Here are few pictures as asked by Jim.  I tried to illustrate how I installed Decapper, connected input to case feed and output to removed spent primers and case containers.  One of the pictures shows decapping pin, and another DAA's plate and wedge.  You can find better pictures via links I posted. 



There is a video clip on youtube, albeit not very good one, showing how decapper works - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90TxJ5fb_f8  I have a better one, and can transmit to those interested via text.  Feel free to contact me.

Roy,

Here is a little part that can make you happier whilst dealing with 32ACP.  It is caller Brass Vortex.  https://shootingsportsinnovations.com/brass-vortex-dillon-round-funnel/

I personally have not tried it.  However years ago Dillon had something similar supplied with one of the versions of their case feeder.  That version had rectangular case receptacle versus round one on several recent versions.  I have this part somewhere, and will post picture once I find it.

Lastly, I'll post the picture representing something that can change one's mood in the instant.  Please see next post.

AP

Sorry about appearance of pictures in previous post.

Here is the mood breaker one, -



AP

Alex, thanks for the link. But I doubt that the "Brass Vortex" will solve the worst problem caused by tiny 32ACP brass. They often get jammed behind the long SS actuating arm of the stop/start micro switch. What I believe is needed is a "lining" funnel with an extended spout that goes right down to the dropper tube. That spout needs to have a slot up one side to permit the actuator arm to move freely, whilst guiding the 32ACP brass smoothly. I'm expecting that the actuator arm will need to be Z shaped at the end so that the exposed slot is no longer than a 23ACP case. The Case Feeder hopper window (sized to suit everything including rifle cases) will probably need to be closed off somewhat so that the brass has less time to tip over. EB is going to help me to come up with a 3D printed solution over the winter. Fingers Crossed!

Roy,

You can easily create such a spout using long straight walled cases of larger caliber, i.e 45-70 or 460 S&W.  Cut off rim and cut out opening for actuator, then bell opposite end and drop resulting thing down into receptacle whilst aligning opening for actuator.  Bell portion will be a limiter of how far down this spout can go.  If there is a need to go all way down the drop tube, then you'd need a different tube with smaller ID.

I did something similar to enable feeding of the bullets through the drop assembly for unsupported calibers for Mr. Bulletfeeder (i.e. 44M)

AP